The Climate Economy Programs are designed to help communities build and implement priority actions that increase economic vitality and affordability in a time of climate change.

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Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund: Small Grants for Innovative Local Climate and Energy Projects

New round of applications are now open and available: APPLY HERE   The Vermont Council on Rural Development, in collaboration with local funders invites applications for small grants to support local innovators developing solutions that move Vermont closer to its climate and energy goals. The fund is initially capitalized with at least $20,000 and will be administered…

LED Dynamics VCRD Innovator Story

Vermont is Home to a State-of-the-Art LED Producer

Lighting accounts for nearly 5% of global CO2 emissions. With LED lighting achieving savings of 50-70%+ compared to older technologies, LEDdynamics is helping to combat climate change from Randolph, Vermont. LEDdynamics is a cutting-edge LED technology producer. Manufacturing Technology Insights recently recognized LEDdynamics as a Top 10 Electric Manufacturing Solutions Provider. The company conducts all…

Dorset Tomorrow Report and Action Plan – December 2020

Dorset participated in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2020. CEMCP is community-driven process with local leaders, VCRD, Green Mountain Power, and Efficiency Vermont to cultivate economic development, innovation, and affordability in the face of climate change. Over 110 residents participated in the “Dorset Tomorrow” process with support from 26 visiting resource team…

VCRD job opening: Community Projects Associate

The application deadline has passed. VCRD is seeking a dedicated, energetic and hardworking Community Projects Associate to provide facilitation, technical assistance, coaching, resource connections, grant drafting, and other support to local leaders who are driving projects forward for community and economic recovery. We’re looking for someone who: demonstrates excellent project development and communication skills is…

RAMP Into the Future Climate Economy Initiative Report – 2020

The Marshfield and Plainfield communities participated in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2019. CEMCP is community-driven process with local leaders, VCRD, Green Mountain Power, and Efficiency Vermont to cultivate economic development, innovation, and affordability in the face of climate change. Over 150 residents participated in the “Revitalizing All of Marshfield and Plainfield:…

Randolph Region Re-Energized Climate Economy Initiative Report – 2020

Randolph participated in VCRD’s Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2018. CEMCP is community-driven process with local leaders, VCRD, Green Mountain Power, and Efficiency Vermont to cultivate economic development, innovation, and affordability in the face of climate change. Over 300 Randolph residents participated in the “R3 – Randolph Region Re-Energized” process with support from…

Curriculum – Strengthening Leadership and Building Connections

Curriculum – Strengthening Leadership and Building Connections Strong leaders understand and unleash the power of connection. Participants build new connections within the group and with potential partners and learn to strengthen connections in their communities. In-person sessions create the bulk of the meeting time together, with additional zoom session and opportunity for one-on-one support from…